marian alumni newsletter 2012

Hey peeps, especially girls of the eight-ies, does the name Roderick Paulate ring a bell? No he wasn’t the original singer, LOL.He just aped the big voiced singer who broke all records in his time with several dance hits. Give up? The original artist is Brit Ric Astley whose cover single headlines this year’s homecoming party . Yes, double yes, triple yesses. It’s time to come together .As we all head home to St Mary’s, the school we love, and we’re determined to be TOGETHER FOREVER.

Red-hot excitement builds up, months weeks, days before this Saturday, the twenty-first of July , twenty-twelve. Shimmy up and raise those flabs ( i mean arms,) in circular motion.....tap your feet, sway and slide. Shake your booty.Time to shake the dust as lights switch on, music goes up and under for…drumroll please..... tadannn.... the jubilarians are coming..

Show headliners are Marians of all shapes, sizes and persuasions from the Gold-ies of HS Batch ’62, the fiery Rubies of HS batch ’72, the peachy Corals of HS Batch ’77, the lustrous Pearls of HS Batch ’82 and the shiny Silvers of HS Batch ’87.

Starting at 1pm, registration tables at the Auditorium open for returning Marians. Celebration of the Mass follows. By 3pm we open the doors to the two hour program as we welcome the school’s newest President, S. Maria Rosabella Gallo, RVM. Yearly open-ers, the RVM sisters offer a special number. Musical show-stoppers range from a dance by the graduating class of 2012 to the celebrat-ing jubilarians’ sure- fire production numbers all edging each one out for the most applause and audience impact.

Highlighting the event is the President’s Report of the activities that the Alumni Foundation undertook during the year. The

Scholarship Program, a flagship foundation project takes center stage too as incoming and returning scholars are introduced onstage. The Alumni Choir brings back memories with a medley of all-time favorites.

The spotlight is on the silver jubilarians with their special numbers and gifts to the school.

That’s not all. The party heats up with dinner and raffle of special prizes at the Im-maculate Conception Hall .

Not yet too late to buy your raffle tickets. The more you buy, the more chances of winning.

Definitely, it’s more fun in St. Mary’s. Let’s all come TOGETHER, FOREVER on this one!

A Bible passage in Isaiah 60:1-5 says, “Arise ... let your light shine for all the nations to see! For the glory of the Lord is shining upon you ... the glory of the Lord will shine over you. Look and see, for everyone is coming home!

Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home. Your eyes will shine, and your hearts will thrill with joy.” This clearly describes and best re-capitulates everything what each

of us feels. Our time has come. This is our time to shine!

July 21, 2012 marks a very important date for all of us. After twenty five (25) years, Marians HS Batch ’87 is coming home.

Seeing old friends, sharing distant memories, and reliving events that happened back in High School will definitely be special. Sure, there will be dis-appointments that go with such

By Anna Marie Bunuan-Raneses ‘87

Official Newsletter of St. Mary’s College Alumni Foundation, Inc. July 2012

(Continued on page 10)

2012 Alumni HomecomingIt’s more fun being a Marian!By Risse Aquino Jose ‘76

“MARIANS HS BATCH ’87 IS COMING HOME, together…forever”

Marian Alumni Newsletter • July 2012

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With God’s grace and the steadfast effort of Alumni officers, members and staunch supporters, Alumni year 2011-2012 proved to be yet another rewarding year for the Marian Alumni community at large. Various projects and activities were undertaken by the Alumni Foundation and it is my honor and privilege to report to you its humble accomplishments for the past year.

Outreach: After the onslaught of typhoon “Pedring” last year, the Alumni Foundation embarked on a relief operation in Bgy. Sto. Niño, Hagonoy, Bulacan on Oct. 23, 2011. Through generous contributions of Marians and the assistance of Maynilad Water and the Philippine Coastguard, 200 units of 5-gallon containers filled with potable water were distributed to affected residents. New pairs of children’s slippers, courtesy of Batch’83 were also given away.

Consoling the Sick: Through the sponsorship of Ms. Jingle Tua-son’79 and Ms. Tammy Manoloto, the Foundation visited pediatric patients at the Quirino General Hospital on Nov. 20, 2011 where some one hundred ailing children had a grand time over packed lunch, bags of assorted goodies, children’s books (donated by alumna Ms. Amy Tengco’77), a mascot and popcorn stand provided by Chummy Chum Foundation and a fun-packed magic show. The project was aptly labeled “St. Mary’s College, Q.C. Alumni Loves Mom-Me” in commemoration of the 2nd death anniversary of Tammy’s mother.

Yuletide Fun and Carol: To celebrate Christmas and friendship, a simple yet very enjoyable Alumni Christmas party was held on Decem-ber 9, 2012 at Rustica Restaurant on Mo. Ignacia Avenue. The party was well attended and everyone had a blast. The Season’s Spirit filled the air with thoughtful gift-giving, merriment, fun games and raffles.

Visit to the Sisters: On Feb. 25, 2012, the Alumni Foundation kicked off its activities for 2012 with a visit to the sisters at the St. Joseph’s Infirmary. The event was graciously sponsored by Batch ’86 and as always, the group with their humble gifts was received with a very appreciative and heartwarming welcome by the RVM sisters

Working Leisure: As summer ends and just before the rainy sea-son begin, Alumni officers and members took time out to unwind and enjoy the refreshing water of the refreshing water of Laguna springs. It was a perfect time for bonding as the group enjoyed the swim, the giggling and jesting with each other. They took the opportunity to brainstorm and plan for this year’s Grand Alumni Homecoming as well as finalize the selection of scholars.

Lulu R. Robles, Batch ’79 President, SMCAFI (2007-2013)

President’s Report

E D I T O R I A L B O A R D

Dr. Priscelina Patajo-Legasto ‘68

Lulu R. Robles ‘79

Risse Aquino-Jose ‘76

Scholars: After a thorough screening of applicants, the SMCQ-CAFI, through its Scholarship Committee, granted full and partial High School scholarships to six High School students: Joben Guevarra (Full); Patrick De Villa (full); Dianne Segunial (Full); Giana Jari (Full); Robert Vincent S. Ortiz (Partial); and Maria Angelica Tan Rivera (Partial).

For the success of all the above endeavors, considerable gratitude goes to all Marians who heeded the Foundation’s calls for assistance, whether it be in prayers, volunteerism, or monetary contribution. It was once again a spectacle of Marian unity and commitment to the benevolent mission of their Alma Mater, proof that despite having taken different journeys, the heart of Marians will remain deeply rooted in the institution that sharpened their minds and shaped their characters. The Alumni Foundation is equally grateful to the RVM sisters for their loving guidance and unwavering support for its projects and activities. Their faith in its stewardship of the alumni community motivates the Foundation to carry on with its mission of keeping alive the Marian Spirit, nurturing spiritual values and duti-fully exercising social responsibility. Last, but certainly not least, the SMCQCAFI is thankful to its benefactors in the private and government sectors for assisting either financially or logistically. Without all of the above invaluable support, none of the Foundation’s projects could have been successfully undertaken.

In closing, I want to express my sincere gratitude to my es-teemed colleagues in the foundation for believing in me and rallying behind my leadership. They did not only collaborate unselfishly but gifted me with precious friendship as well, and paved a way for me to serve better my Alma Mater. Never had I thought or the least had I expect, that I will be serving the Foundation as President for three terms. And this I owe to my colleague friends whose trust and precious friendship I will hold dear in my lifetime.

For the last five years, I must say that I am more rewarded than honored, for nothing can be more gratifying than serving one’s family. Beyond biological considerations, a family can be an institution that nurtures and promotes spiritual, emotional, social and intellectual well-being. This is why I regard my Alma Mater as my own “family”, responsible for my strong spiritual and academic growth. It is therefore with a deep sense of obligation that I returnd the blessings which I received from my alma mater through my ac-cepting the “stewardship” of the SMC Alumni Foundation Inc these past few years. Serving the “family” I took as my own is far more rewarding than any laurel attached to my cap, and it is on this note that I also encourage all Marians to become more involved in the Alumni Foundation and support its noble mission of sustaining the rich legacy of St. Mary’s College. Whatever path in life we may have been taking separately, let us walk one road together every now and then…the road that leads back “home”, for it is only in looking back and paying forward that we can truly taste the sweetness of success.

A Marian heart beats for others, more so for fellow Marians

While most of us were looking forward to Christmas season, comes typhoon Sendong arrives unexpectedly. It ravaged Central Mindanao and left many dead and homeless. Our RVM schools in Cagayan and Iligan were not spared. Donations of cash and kind from different RVM schools here and abroad poured in. True to the Marian’s beating heart for others, these were likewise distributed to the other victims in the area. Last December 22, 2011, the St. Mary’s College Quezon City Foundation Inc. generously handed a check of Twenty Thousand pesos through the RVM Generalate. It came with an ardent prayer of healing and recovery for all.

By Eileen Tawatao-Garcia ‘74


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Dear Marian Alumni,Praised be Jesus and Mary!“There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.…a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant; …a time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them.” (Eccl.3:1,25)The preceding verses from the book of Ecclesiastes hold great mean-

ing to the hopeful hearts of the Christian. And I cannot help but use it as a guide post for you, our wonderful Alumni, especially the Jubilarians.

There is an appointed time for everything… a time to plantToday used to be the future you thought of when you were still ac-

tive students of SMCQC. Many years have gone by – and many a silver hair has grown on your crowning glory! – since you spent time in eager studies within the halls of SMCQC. Those were times of learning and of honing you to be the best persons you can ever be. That was perhaps the planting season of your lives. Ignacian and Marian values were inculcated in your young hearts, always with the hope that you would nourish them faithfully.

There is an appointed time for everything… a time to uproot the plantAs with every planting season, comes the time for reaping, of uproot-

ing and of harvesting. I believe this has come upon you in the embrace of joyful successes that you have so worthily enjoyed in life. I know that you have reaped triumphs in life, be it materially, socially, or emotionally. You have given the best of yourselves to the world around you. Thus, good returns have come to you.

There is an appointed time for everything… a time to scatter stonesMay the stones you scatter be ones that enrich and improve the

lives of those who gather them. We have always bellowed that times have changed. That is permissible and fully understandable. The more important thing is that we do not let our values flow mindlessly with the tides of time. I humbly challenge you to pursue on the path that the Lord has chosen for you and scatter the stones of love and harmony.

There is an appointed time for everything… a time to gather themIt is always my immense hope for you to be witnesses of God’s King-

dom on earth. The stones you gather may vary according to the path you walk on. It is imperative, however, that you choose only the stones that complement the goodness of your soul.

May I, thus, share with you the SMCQC Thrust for SY 2012-2013: “DEEPENING FAITH-LIFE COMMITMENT TO GOD AND CREATION, RE-SPECT OF LIFE AND MISSION PROPAGATION.”

This is a continuing challenge for you as Alumni of SMCQC, to be one with us in making sure that the Christian values we uphold will be lived faithfully by everyone in SMCQC all through the years. Together Forever, you say. It would truly be a great joy for every SMCQC graduate to be together forever in living out the Ignacian Marian values in society.

I wish everyone of you God’s blessings. May your legacy be as great as your compassionate heart, kind words, and brilliant mind. May you live on the values of Faith, Excellence, and Service as Alumni of SMCQC.

Sincerely in Our Lady and Mother Ignacia,

S. Maria Rosabella R. Gallo, RVM

S. Maria Rosabella R. Gallo, RVMPresident, SMC, QC

Message

The St. Mary’s College Alumni Foundation, Inc. (SMCAFI),held the induction ceremony of its newly-elected set of officers on October 8, 2011 at the St. Joseph Building Conference Room. Mrs. Cecilia N. Temporal, Consultant for Alumni Affairs, Ms. Fe Silica-Arellano ’69, and Ms. Grace Camacho-De Jesus ‘74, former presidents of the SMCAFI, other Marian graduates and guests attended the inaugural rites. The oath-taking ceremony, along with the blessing of the newly-renovated SJB Conference Room, was led by S. Ma. Marissa R. Viri, RVM. Rev. Fr. Louie Caupayan was the celebrant of the Eucharistic celebration, which was held together with induction rites.

Giving more life and emotion to the Celebration were songs, beautifully sung by the SMC Alumni Choir.

The newly-inducted officers and members of the Board assumed office for a term of two years, which commenced in 2011 and will end in 2013. In her speech, in behalf of the members of the Board, Ms. Lulu R. Robles, (re-elected Presi-dent for the third term of the SMCAFI), pledged to continue giving the same level of passion, dedication and service to successfully achieve the goals of the Alumni Foundation.

The following were inducted in 2011 as members of the Board: Lulu Robles ’79, Eileen Tawatao-Garcia ’74, Risse Aquino-Jose ’76, Rhea Gega-Relos ’79, Gwen Pimentel-Gana ’77, Dahra Villanueva-Mendoza ’78, Amy Tengco ’77, MayangSison-Pascual ’76, Peachy Bumatay’74, VangeeAn-drada-Palileo ’71, Nini Mercado-Tan ’78, Lynn Aguilar-Umali ’70, Mel Macalintal-Rada ’72, MarilesAbacan-Ibarra ’76, Tet Samson ’79, Meiose Tan-Cristobal ’82, Candy Ocampo ’83, LoidaGeniblazo-Secillano ’86, Arlene Untalan-Sarmiento ’86 and Ma. Luisa Pablo.

SMCAFI InductsNewly-Elected Officers

By Arlene Untalan-Sarmiento ‘86


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It is hard to believe five years already passed since Batch 82 celebrated its Silver Anniversary. The memories of that event are still so vivid and fresh on our minds. Yet here we are facing another milestone—our 30th year!

Facebook has been instrumental in keep-ing us all informed of each other (five years ago, it was Yahoo). Pictures and news are readily shared about ourselves, our families, and our latest “kitakits” (defined as any excuse to get together for kodakan and chika-han) which to my amazement, has not waned but instead gained momentum since our last reunion. What is wrong with these women? Don’t they know this is not normal? I’m glad to say, we are not normal in this regard.

So what’s up with Batch 82? Let me just give you a few highlights:

• All of us are five years older but still very young at heart

• Most of our sons and daughters are go-ing to College or have finished College (depending on how early our fellow Marian settled down)

• Some of us are now grandmothers (correction--glamorous grandmothers)

• There are those of us who braved a new frontier and took on the adven-ture of a second career

• Others of us are survivors – having re-covered from a physical ailment (some still recovering), or healing from the loss of a loved one

SMC High School Batch 82 is celebrating its Pearl Anniversary this year. As I thought about what this means to us, I realized just how appropriate a symbol this gemstone is to our group.

Let me explain. It is a well-known fact that pearls are formed when the mollusk inside a shell is disturbed by irritants. This causes the mollusk to create a protective barrier and eventually turns into a pearl. I’ve observed that irritants in our lives, adversities in other words, play a significant role in how we develop as an individual. The same is true for relationships. Oftentimes, adversities can be the catalyst that cements lasting bonds.

This group has shared great times and not so great ones. We celebrate happy occasions together and there are many of these. Yet nothing brings us closer than when someone among us goes through a time of adversity. I have watched in amazement the camaraderie among these remarkable women. Prayer, support and words of en-couragement flow when there is a crisis to overcome. They are at their best when stand-ing together in support of one another, like a string of priceless pearls.

If our teachers in high school, some of whom may be reading this, are wondering what ever became of Batch 82, they will be happy to know the girls they used to teach, discipline and care for are even closer today than when they were young ladies sitting at-

By Jammy Jaramillo-Gurican ‘82

tentively in class (okay, some were fidgeting or day-

dreaming). In High School, we didn’t look far ahead in the future to even think the girls we shared our lunches with, got in trouble with or hung out with at the cafeteria, would still be part our lives today. We have history and this has its value. History notwithstanding, I truly believe one of the reasons for our strong bond is because we have found in each other, friends who protect, defend and go the distance.

I mentioned our teachers…because we are a sum total of our experience and invest-ments made by people who touch our lives, we thank our teachers for playing a part in who we are today. They watched us grow and guided us for four years. For a young teenager, that’s like, forever.

Time marches on as it always has and no matter the years of experience under our belts, some things will still surprise us. In an unpredictable world full of events we cannot dictate, it is good to have something on which we can always depend: The amazing grace of God that sustains us and the enduring love of family and friends that sees us through.

May this, our 30th year, be followed by many more years of kitakits. You all make us proud!

A String of Pe arls

Pearl Jubilarians


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as, “Coral Divas, UNITE!” Like a true blue Marian, Amy, by using the right amount of persistence and lots of charm, was able to convince other batchmates, even with their “busy-ness” at work or domestic concerns, to join and form Batch’77’s Core Group Commit-tee. The group, composed of energetic and light hearted ladies, rolled up their sleeves, buckled down to work, and put together their crazy and not so crazy ideas, and came up with fun but meaningful ways to celebrate the upcoming Coral Anniversary. The weekly, “TGIF” core group meeting were often held in different venues, but often done in the charming homes of two very generous batch-mates, Alice Villa-Real and Tet de Ocampo. Liz Marie Agoncillo, the driving force in the Core group has been actively supervising the over-all plans of activities of the upcoming

“At 35, We’re just warming up!” ---Batch’77

By Red Bibay-Sison ‘77

reunion. She is what you might call “sweet but firm.” She has already done some “arm-twisting” just to put many of us to work, and “oh boy, she did!” The other hardworking ladies in the Core Group Committee who have lent their own brand of specializations are, Nenette Barranco, Grace Burgos, Auri Asuncion (very artistic but also very unassuming),Joy Intengan, Oddie Pala-cio, Marilou Sarmiento and Red Bibay-Sison.

As we celebrate our 35th high school Anniversary, Batch’77 can only say, “Thank you Dear God for the grace you continue to give us, and that is to have reached another milestone in our Marian lives.” Let’s continue to keep the Marian spirit of warmth and ca-maraderie always alive in our hearts!

“In all the ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct our paths.”----Proverb 3:6

If there is any way to best de-scribe our batch, the word would be… “Warm.” Warm connotes coziness, hot in moderation, comfort, welcom-ing, compassionate, caring, and yes, loving. From the time Batch’77 recon-nected with other fellow Marians, we have reignited a “warm bond” through our numerous all-girls activities, like welcoming our “balikbayan” batch-mates, Christmas parties, “let’s have coffee” meetings, outreach programs for less-fortunate brothers, to bigger events like grand alumni reunions, as well as sad occasions like sickness and deaths of some beloved batchmates. We united and offered warmth to one another during those times. We held our handsand soothed each other’s grief.

Amy Tengco, the indefatigable “action lady” of Batch’77, has always been respon-sible in herding us back to our school, and resume the interrupted friendship we en-joyed during our high school at St. Mary’s College Q.C. Now we are proud to say that we have kept that ember of sisterhood burning and that Marian warmth is still there through the years. Amy’s unceasing energy in reach-ing out to each batchmate has been fruitful because we have now formed the Marian’77 group. Once again, Amy is spearheading this year’s 35th high school anniversary themed

Coral Jubilarians


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Allow me to share a few highlights on what has been happening, albeit just a few, with our group across the pond, the SMC-NAAA members!

To begin with, our original group of five has grown into 48 strong as of today, thanks to the power of Facebook network-ing! I was able to hook up with a few of our beloved “Ate”s namely Pearl Calma Buenafe, along with her batch 62’ group, and on the other end of the spectrum, Jocel Labao, batch ‘79 led me to connect with 16 new members! Batch 68’, Susan Deocales finally found her way back where she be-longs (LOL!) and she is reaching out to her other classmates.

As shown here, we hit the jackpot when my batchmate and co-CORE member, Chris-tina Veridiano Small finally found one of the loveliest batch ‘66’ Marians, Alma Gorospe De Bosch! Here she was, playing the guitar and sharing youthful joy with Tina and oth-ers during a student leadership training in Baguio in the mid 60s. Sweet Alma resides in Michigan but she often visits her batchmate and BFF, Nenet Tinio Magpayo in California.

This year’s highlight, however, was batchmate Divina “Bing” Antonio Johnson’s trip to Manila in mid February to deliver our humble gift to our alumni association. As shown here, the highly dedicated officers headed by Lulu Robles met with her and posed for postery with Bing’s siblings, both fellow Marians, Corazon and Efren.

On a more social scene, “Ate” Aida Guerrero celebrated another milestone in February and several of her former stu-dents attended the event, namely Ingrid Fulay Nouri, my batchmate Evelyn Mi-ravite, Ate Aida’s kid sister, Edna G. Chua, and of course, Nenet T. By the way, we ended 2011 with our Marian get together as a group with the annual Christmas party hosted by Miriam Paner Nebres at her lovely home. We were joined by batch 66, Sylvia Asuncion, and her batchmhate

An Update 2011-2012 SMCNAAA ActivitiesBy Norma Esperida-Cummins ‘67

Virginia Tuason, who surprised us when she arrived with my batchmate, the pretty Digna Esteban Belmonte, whom we have not seen for quite a while! The charming lady sitting on my left is Miriam’s batch 79’ mate, Jocel Labao.

Future plans for 2012-2013 include our Christmas party of course, the venue to be determined soon, and my tentative plan to attend the July 2013 Homecoming, God willing! So, to all of you, from all of us, Mabuhay!

(St. Mary’s College North America Alumnae Association)


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We were the Marians at the crossroads of the nation’s history. When we left the peaceful halls of St. Mary’s College, Q.C. on our graduation that summer of 1972, as presumably well-bred colegialas, the tides of social and political change were already sweeping over our lives. Only two years before our graduation had come the thun-derous days of the First Quarter Storm, the searing period of student unrest which would cast a shadow upon our lives and pull the country into the political maelstrom lasting for decades.

Today, on a rainy afternoon in 2012, as we the batch of 1972 classmates gathered to practice for our big dance number which we had labored on for so many weeks, we reflected on the legacy that our Marian edu-cation granted us within the beloved walls of our dear St, Mary’s College.

During my interviews with my class-mates, Melinda Macalintal-Rada, Marilou Alcid, Yolanda del Mundo, Carmelita Nativ-idad-Alberto and Stella Avedillo-Yanuaria, I heard in their voices respect, gratitude, appreciation, laughter, nostalgia but always affection for the school that had shaped our values and molded our characters.

We all agreed that as the children of that burning time, what set our generation apart was our profound social awareness. We wit-nessed the awakening of our consciousness to the burning issues of the day, the preva-lence of a feudalistic society, the dominance of an affluent oligarchy, the massive poverty, the ambitions of a dictatorial leader and the rebellion of an impatient but idealistic generation raging to usher in an era of social change. We awoke from innocent adolescent fantasies into the painful realities of the politi-cal situation in the 70s.

This awakening marked us for the rest of our lives. In our midst were budding activists who would later translate that social aware-ness into actions to help the poor, organize labor, defend human rights and champion social justice.

But also the legacy of St Mary’s College was our firm foundation of faith. The sisters of the Religious of the Virgin Mary’s patient, never-ending grilling of our Catholic tenets flowered into our strong religious faith. We could probably recite the Ten Command-ments, the seven sacraments, and the Act of

Contrition in our sleep. For some of us, Christ’s admonition to love your neighbor bred our idealism and fu-eled the desire for social change. Our faith shielded us from the materialism that is so prevalent today. It made us shun the elitism associated with girls’ exclusive schools in the 70s. Burgis (a popular term referring to social snobs) we were not and never would be.

We were one in our gratitude for the excellent education and the rigorous discipline that St. Mary’s College nurtured in us by the best teachers that SMC could hire. They were teachers whose standards ware so high and so stringent that when we entered college, we were surprised at how easy col-lege was. All those hours of writing perfect compositions, passing rigorous examina-tions and memorizing complicated formulae instilled in us a tough mental discipline and work ethic. Each of our teachers was not just a faculty member, each stood for a standard of academic excellence that we had to meet.

In our young, rebellious eyes St, Mary’s College was a bastion of conservatism. Our annoyance rose with the length of our mini skirts when the nuns ripped our hemlines if they were two inches above the knee. We squirmed under the stiff white gala uniforms, white shoes and stockings during First Friday mass. We were hushed by passing RVM nuns if we laughed too loudly or failed to keep our knees together. Good Manners and Right Conduct was a formal subject in our curricu-lum from the time we were knee high. We were reared to be perfectly mannered ladies. And the result? We developed a confidence

and a pride in such rigid training. We could hold our heads high,

knowing that we had both the education and the grace to be empowered women.

In that time of rising nationalism, we came to appreciate the fact that RVM was the only Filipino congregation in an edu-cational system dominated by foreign-run congregations, founded in the 17th century by an independent-minded Chinese mestiza with whom we would have had much in com-mon. Just as the Pinoy became global, just as half of our classmates scattered to greener shores, so did the RVM embrace the globe, opening convents and schools within our boundaries and across borders. The course of our lives as we travelled and settled in other countries paralleled the growth of this empowered band of enterprising and pious women.

But like a mother calling her children home, St. Mary’s College still beckons to us, the fiery rhetoric of our generation of 1972 has been tempered and mellowed but never extinguished. Across the miles and across the years, we return to our roots in the St. Mary’s College where we once more celebrate our pride in being Marians.

The Legacy of a Marian Education in the SeventiesSMC Batch 1972:

By Marian Regina Martin-Layug ‘72

Ruby Jubilarians


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Twenty-five years after graduating from high school, alumnae of St. Mary’s College Quezon City Batch ’87 who are now based abroad, gathered in Southern California last March for a special twoday celebration marking the batch’s Silver Jubilee.

Held March 16-17 in Carson and Orange, Cali-fornia, the milestone event brought 44 gels -- many of whom have not seen each other since their April 1987 graduation – together for a weekend of endless reminiscing, rekindling of old friendships, comparing of notes on marriage and motherhood, and creating countless Kodak moments.

The celebration, organized by the Marians US-Canada-International, took nearly a year to coordinate, but successfully drew gels and their families from various parts of the United States including New York, Oregon, Massachusetts, Ha-waii and California; from the Canadian provinces of Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta; and from as far as Brisbane, Australia.

The Jubilee opened on Friday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Carson, where the evening’s highlights included a vocal showdown between Myra Veloso, now based in Vancouver, and Eliza “Liez” Tayag, who traveled all the way from “the Land Down Under” for the special occasion. Re-hearsing just one hour prior to the event, Myra and Liez, who both had since established success-ful part-time careers in singing in their new home countries, gave their batchmates collective goosies with their duet rendition of Adele’s “Someone Like You,” in addition to a few others that they performed individually.

A trivia segment testing the gels’ knowledge and memory of their Alma Mater, left some gels scratching their heads as they admitted to a gingko-biloba-deficient diet, but some, strategically kicking off their stilettos in a race to supply answers to questions like: “What does St. Mary’s College call its version of the library card?” or “What is the title of the student that logs class attendance?” Anna Marie “Ging” Santa Maria, now based in Atlanta, was the evening’s Trivia Queen, with SnookyTuico of New York City earning second place, and Rosepet Tan of Toronto, taking third place.

During the program, the now-Toronto-based Laura Atienza, read a special message of congratu-lations and well-wishes from Manila-based Marians ’87 Alumni Homecoming Committee President Anna Marie Bunuan, forging a renewed spirit of sisterhood between the Marians abroad and their counterparts back home.

The theme “Reunion with a Purpose,” which was a brainchild Regina Calaguas, also of Team Toronto, and who also emceed the reunion din-ner, successfully brought out the generosity from

within those who attended. Total collections tallied at the end of the program amounted to $1,525, which will be donated towards St. Mary’s College Scholarship Program at the forthcoming official Marians ’87 Silver Jubilee Celebration slated in Manila in July.

In addition to their generosity, the gels came fully-armed with a par-tay attitude complete with 80s dance strokes as they channeled Rick Astley, strutted to and screamed the lyrics to one-hit-wonder “State of the Nation,” moonwalked to the King of Pop’s “Billie Jean,” and swung their arms side-to-side in a chalkboard-erasing motion “Bag-ets” style, to the tune of “Just Got Lucky.”

On Day 2 of the back-to-back event, the gels brought along their families to Dave & Buster’s in Orange for an opportunity to take part in the camaraderie, and experience the Marians’ unique blend of fun and craziness, and the special bond that, unsurprisingly remained intact even after 25 years. The restaurant/arcade get together was an eleventh-hour substitution to a family picnic that took months of planning, but unfortunately had to be cancelled due to an unusual rainy weather in Southern California.

But the last-minute change of plans did not stop the gels from enjoying an encore of the pre-vious night’s party (and afterparty at Subway no less), and took advantage of being stuck indoors by playing pool and verbal yoga, and poking fun at each other just like the old times…and just what one would expect from alums of an all-girls-school.

The success of the Silver Jubilee was a true testament to the wonders of technology -- particu-larly social media -- that Marians ‘87 is fortunate to experience and take advantage of. Because of geo-graphic and time zone challenges, and family and work schedules, the reunion was conceptualized and coordinated in its entirety through Facebook. With an early consensus not to elect officers or form committees, the gels tirelessly brainstormed, bounced ideas around, voted suggestions up or down, and held lengthy yet productive discussions over the reunion venue, dinner price, menu, T-shirt design, decorations, program, and every other single detail of the event.

Needless to say, the gels walked away with a renewed connection to their Alma Mater, a stron-ger bond with each other, and priceless memories enough to last another two-and-a-half decades, i.e. until their Golden Jubilee in 2037.

But for now, they offer their heartfelt best wishes to their batchmates in Manila, as they work on the various aspects of the big event in July, and sincerely wish them an equally successful and memorable reunion.

Marians ’87 US-Canada-InternationalCe le brate Si lver Jubi le e with a 2-Day Event in Ca lifornia, USA

Silver Jubilarians


9

By Aileen Ibardaloza, SMCQC Topaz ‘87

Twenty-five years “out in the real world” has taught us a thing or two about life. How to make lemonade from lemons, for instance. And where to ride out the storms, when to seize our day in the sun, what to do with those quintessential grains of salt.

We come from a long line of exceptional women. When our foundress, the Venerable Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, took in other young women under her wing, little did she know she was forging a tradition of sisterhood and lifelong friendships. Mother Ignacia was a woman way ahead of her time. For mentors, she had the Jesuits, widely regarded as the intellectual arm of the Catholic Church. For sisters, she had the beatas, whom she accepted into the congregation regardless of their race or skin color. Some three hundred years later, we would be trained with the same principles of faith, fortitude, and fairness that shaped some of the strongest, most committed women ever to come out of the Filipino nation. We have mothered children, as well as their dreams and ours. We have conquered foreign lands and deepest fears.

And once in a while, we remember high school. Those days when we were teenage girls, in royal blue and gala white, with spiked hair and sparkling eyes, hoping to find our place in the island of the two Madonnas (the one who sang “Like a Virgin,” and the one we sang hymns to in our school chapel). We were just like the other young people of our generation. And yet, so unlike them.

We were Martial Law babies, for one, raised under a repres-sive dictatorship. At 15, we wore yellow ribbons, and joined a revolution that gave power and freedom to our people and na-tion. At 16, we entered our senior year. Four quarters of Classical Greek Literature, among others! How cool was that? How many high school students, in the Philippines, at the time, knew (and talked) about the themes and conflicts in the works of Aeschy-lus, Sophocles, and Euripides? And how many high school girls outside the Philippines do you know who actually went through (citizen’s) army training, complete with practice rifles and hair nets? We did all that. And more. Field trips, field demos, retreats, community outreach. Amazingly, we still found the time for all the other “fun stuff’ that will forever, and ubiquitously, be meant for the young.

Like our peers, we loved U2 and Duran Duran. We (secretly, because it wasn’t allowed in school) wore dangle earrings, and hiked up our culottes. We wished we were Dada Kalalo being serenaded by Raymond Lauchengco before every screaming Marian in our massive auditorium. We wished for it all to never end. We were the original bagets. We were the Eighties. And we totally rocked.

We hit our 40s with the same audacity that carried us through our teens. But of all the gifts we have been given, friendship has been one of the most enduring. This is the tie that sustained us then, and the tie that binds us still. We are each other’s guide to being Marians for life. And here we are, we’ve reached the silver lining. We know it gets better. We’ve learned how to make it better from here.

A Short Guide toSilver Jubilarians

Being a Marian for Life


10

event, but this will not matter anymore. Even with the mayhem, missing batchmates, stressful planning, crowded schedules, con-fusing rush. All these, we all know, will be part of the journey until we arrived at the big day. Coming together to celebrate our past and honoring people who have been part of our lives will all be worth the wait. Relation-ships will be deepened and empowered to a whole new level. Our high school days may be over. We each have stories to tell. But all will be part of history. Nevertheless, we still have a long and exciting way to go in life. Our experiences as Marians, we will take with us to even greater heights, as well as the memories, good and bad, and relationships which we have nurtured.

Looking back twenty five (25) years after, life has been fulfilling and gratifying for some

and a struggle for others. . But no matter what difficulties we experienced, no one can contest the fact that the lives we had in school until 1987 was fun and challenging yet exciting.

When we reflect on our high school ex-periences, we think of a long list of projects and homeworks, challenging periodical tests, physically exhausting volleyball games, tricky CAT drills , exciting field demonstra-tions, fun college fairs, overnight retreats, adventurous field trips, and dramatic recollections. We all had a share in all of these activities. And no matter what type of activites we were a part of and enjoyed doing, they are important to remember and grow from. Through these times, strong re-lationships were built, whether it was with a classmate or teacher, we can’t deny the

fact that we have developed lasting connec-tions and unforgettable memories that will be with us forever.

It has been said , “To know where you are going, one must remember where you have been.” Batch ’87 will start a new chapter, moving towards new endeavors and taking on greater challenges. Let us all take a moment to think back about the people and times that sheped us through all theses years. Every teacher deserves a “thank you” for helping us reach our goals and made our dreams come true. The love and support of the whole St. Mary’s College Quezon City community has been greatly appreciated. We are who we are today because of you. True, we faced hardships and a myriad of challenges, but we were able to overcome them, together. And now, here we are again, Marians HS Batch ’87, coming home to our dear Alma Mater, together….forever!

By Grace Camacho-de Jesus ‘74

FAARSI, our baby, will turn 10 and she will have a party! Let’s celebrate on September 15, from 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m., at the campus of St. Mary’s College of Baliuag (SMCB) in Bulacan. The gracious host will mark her centennial this year and we are delighted to bring FAARSI@10 to SMCB@100.

FAARSI is the Federation of Alumni Associations of RVM Schools, Inc. As early as 1999, the alumni and administrators of St. Mary’s College Quezon City played a pioneering and active role in FAARSI’s conceptualization and incorporation, lead-ing to its grand launch on September 14, 2002 in SMCQC.

FAARSI was born and nurtured under the inspiring leadership of Ms. Fe Silica Serquinia-Arellano (HS ‘69 & SMCAF President 2001-2005) and with the encouragement and support of S. Ma. Bernardita Zatarain, RVM (former SMCQC Directress) and S. Ma. Anicia B. Co, RVM (former SMCQC President), the valuable legal assistance of Atty. Lorna Patajo-Kapunan (HS’69 & SMCAF President 1995-1997), and the healthy collaboration among Marian alumni (led by Ms. Corazon Timoteo of SMA

FAARSI@10

“MARIANS HS BATCH ’87 IS...(Continued from page 1)

Guagua, Ms. Pacita Cipriano of SMA Ligao, Ms. Teresita Gumiran of SMA Caloocan and Ms. Marivic Mistica of SMC Meycauayan).

In 2008, Ms. Fe Arellano was suc-ceeded by Ms. Marivic Mistica as FAARSI President. In January 2012, the position was entrusted once again to an alumna of SMCQC, Ms. Grace Camacho-deJesus (HS ‘74 & SMCAF President 2005-2007)

FAARSI continues to faithfully carry out its mission of fostering closer bonding among alumni of 49 RVM schools in the

Philippines. Pre-10th anniversary activi-ties include the launching of its Facebook page last February 11 and the gathering of alumni association officers of Metro Manila and Luzon schools last April 14 at the SMCQC campus. On September 15, the enthusiastic participation of alumni from all RVM schools is expected to bring about a festive celebration of solidarity, commitment and passion to live and share the spirituality of Mother Ignacia... for 100 years and more ... in the Philippines and beyond.


11

On November 20, 2011, the SMCQC Alumni Founda-tion, represented by President Lulu Robles and officers Eileen Tawatao-Garcia, Lynn Umali Aguilar, Nini Mercado Tan, Rhea Gega-Relos, Meiose Tan, Dahra Villanueva, Mariles Aba-can-Ibarra, Amy Tengco, Candy Ocampo, Leny Tadena, Wesley Villar and others undertook a visit to the Children’s Ward of the Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Project 4, Quezon City.

This activity was primarily made possible through the dona-tion of Jingle Tuason, Batch ’79 and Tammy Manaloto, in mem-ory of the 2nd death anniversary of Tammy’s mother. Thus, the activity was dubbed “Mom-Me.”

For a few hours, SMCA-FInc. provided respite to the

“Mom-Me” Outreach in Quirino Medical Center Children’s Ward

BY Mariles Abacan-Ibarra ‘76

young patients of QMMC and their families. Patients were treated with a bag of assorted gift items placed in eco bags labeled “SMCAF‚Mom-Me”, packed lunch, and clowns who entertained with a magic show. The Chummy Chum Foundation, a non-profit charitable group, also delighted the children with a mascot and popcorn stand, while book lovers feasted on Ms. Amy Tengco’s donation of various children’s books.

While the patients and their families were the direct beneficiaries of this outreach, the alumnae also felt enriched by the visit, as their own small way of giving back to the larger community, in the spirit of the ideals of our founder, Mo. Igna-cia del Espiritu Santo.

Labor day, May 1, 2012 turned into a nostalgic afternoon of hugs, kisses and laughter…It was endless teasing on new looks, new rela-tionships, new career, new directions, etc. that showed they simply missed one another and the good old high school days. A function room at Napa Grill with a buffet spread was the venue of their first reunion. The number of enthusiastic attendees was no lower than twenty five, a positive way to start, representing all of six sections. The batch officers are Eleanor “Elliot” Dagdagan-Reniva (president), Freda “Dada” Concepcion-Jimenez(vice president), Marla Palileo (secretary), Marina Kathlyn “kayen” Perez-De Vera ( asst secretary), Marilyn “Marie” Pineda Vergel-De Dios (treasurer), Charisse Garcia-Santos (asst. treasurer).

High School Batch ’88 gearing up for Alumni Homecoming 2013!!

Ms. Anne Raneses of High School batch ’87 and myself were invited to provide an overview of the Grand Alumni Homecoming. We hope to have given them a colorful picture of what “coming home” to our alma mater is all about.

By Eileen Tawatao-Garcia’74


12

One would never forget the back-to-back twin typhoons that pummeled Central and Northern Luzon in 2011 - typhoon “Pe-dring” on September 27, and typhoon “Quiel” on October 2.

SEEN, HEARD AND VIEWED: : Heavy rains spawning weeks of massive flooding in the towns of Bulacan, Pampanga and Tarlac ; a storm surge that submerged the coastal towns of Hagonoy & Calumpit in 3.6 meters of murky water ; stranded and helpless residents on their roofs or at the upper floors of their homes waiting for help; floodwaters turning to a “sea of microbes”; the persistent call for rescue and relief operations ; death and devastation.

On October 23, 2011 heed-ing the call of service, the SMCQC Alumni Foundation, Inc. in part-

THOSE “little acts”…By Rhea Gega-Relos ‘79

nership with MAYNILAD and the Philippine Coast Guard broke dawn with the first group of Marian volunteers and young fellows from the PCG overseeing the filling up of 200 – 5 gallon containers with potable water, courtesy of MAYNILAD from its treatment plant at La Mesa Dam, Q.C. By 6:30a.m., the loading of containers onto a 6x6 truck provided by the Philippine Coast Guard started. Thereafter, the group drove off to the North Lu-zon Expressway to hook up with the rest of the volunteers from SMCQC. The convoy of cars, vans and truck headed straight to Ba-rangay Sto. Nino, a small coastal town in Hagonoy, Bulacan.

Through the assistance of Brgy. Captain Soledad Macale and her Kagawads, the Foundation chose the informal settlers of the

Barangay as its recipients. With a pro-rata of 1 container per family, priority was given to families with babies / young children and el-derly. In a small clearing adjacent to the stilted shanties, water was freely distributed to 200 families. Rubber slippers were given as consolation to children who were seen queuing with their parents under the scorching heat of the midday sun. Assorted medicines and raw sugar were also donated to the Barangay for distribution. Amid the weary wrinkled faces and sick children, one could still see and smell traces of the storms’ aftermath.

On our way back , we stopped to visit S. Marissa Viri, whose house is a few meters away from the site. Typhoon victims likewise, we found the household engrossed with the cleaning of their home - washing away mud, drying and salvag-ing whatever was left of their belongings.

At the end of the day, it’s the little acts of kindness that play a major role in our lives – the impact outweighing the size of words or deeds. It is those “little acts” of love and kindness that enrich our lives, as well as those lives we unknowingly touch.


13

It was exactly 26 years ago, when nuns and other religious were among those seen as the first line of defense of brave Filipinos who swarmed over a stretch of EDSA, defying the presence of tanks, fighter jets and uniformed armed soldiers.

February 25, 2012, wasn’t just about celebrating EDSA People Power’s 26th An-niversary. It also marked our special day, as reactivated Marians of Batch ‘86 hosted this year’s Annual Visit to the Nuns, as our culmi-nating activity for our Silver Jubilarian Year. It was our time now to recognize, pay tribute and give back the love to our RVM nuns, who have shown dedication and hardwork in mentoring us and guiding us to be the kind of truly cultured Christian and responsible Ignacian women that we are now.

It was one of those “great-Saturday-afternoon” kind of party. The kind where you gather with old and new friends to enjoy each other’s company and reminisce the good old days at SMC. The kind where you are all geared up to have some serious fun.

And...we were all ready to rumble!We had a Hawaiian-inspired welcome to

our valiant women of the RVM Congregation. As nuns and guests entered the hall, colorful leis were put on their necks, and they were greeted with “Aloha!” The leis matched per-fectly with their garbs.

It was truly a sight to behold! The Program started with SMCQC Alumni

Choir’s powerful rendition of the Lupang Hini-rang. As in the previous years, this too, was an afternoon of fun, music, laughter and en-tertainment which truly delighted the noble elderly RVM sisters. Batch ‘86 performers surprised everyone with a double-presen-tation, as they danced to Shakira’s upbeat, Waka-Waka and shook their bellies with the classic, Pearly Shells. Ladies of Batch ‘86 also sang “Salamat”, a song made famous by The

Dawn, which also encompasses the message we wanted to convey to our dear nuns: “Sala-mat, at tayo’y nagkasamang muli...kay tamis ng ating samahan sa lungkot at kaligayahan, tunay na kaibigan, kasamang maasahan...salamat, at tayo’s may pinagsamahan, sala-mat, tunay kong kaibigan...” Yes sisters, we are grateful to all of you, indeed!

The SMC Alumni Choir’s special number, was short of a mini-concert, as they serenad-ed the nuns and guests with their endearing renditions of songs of yesteryears. Well applauded was the Choir’s interpretation of “You are the Sunshine of My Life” and “Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko.”

Annual visits, will not be complete without the fun-filled games, which our dear sisters await with great anticipation. For this year, we played two rounds of a different game of BINGO, which we called “LAST NUN STANDING.” We also played “CHARADES WITH A TWIST”, the game, which almost drove everyone out of their minds and gave us endless giggles and “abs-forming” laughter!

Amidst the fun, it was touching at one point too, when Sr. Zita Valerio and Sr. Tere-sita Cantos thanked us for remembering them every year, even if some of them, may

“May Waka-waka na, May Hula-hula pa sa Betania”(The 2012 Annual Visit to the Sisters)

By Arlene Untalan-Sarmiento

have scolded us then in SMC. They said that what they can give back to us are only their prayers. All Marians present could only reply with a sigh.

Before we ended the program, Batch ‘86, represented by Judith Pagaspas-Sto. Domingo and Arlene Untalan-Sarmiento gave a Plaque of Appreciation to the RVM Congregation, and to the SMCQC Alumni Board, respectively, for the invaluable support and dedication which they have given us, making it possible for the celebrating Batch to have a wonderful and successful Silver Jubilarian year.

Everyone was treated with a sumptuous and truly authentic Pinoy-inspired merienda cena, after.

Quoting this from the SMCQC Alumni Official FB Page, allow me to say: “More than a privilege, it is a blessing for us Marians to have been mentored by the RVM sisters. It is from their dedication, sacrifice and patience that we gained not only wisdom that ushered most of us to success in our careers, but most of all, character rich in value and spirituality. What they gave us is a gift so priceless, and just seeing them happy with our annual visits, is rewarding enough, knowing that in our own very little way, we reciprocate what they so unselfishly shared with us.”


14

It has been said that with excellence comes success. Marians have proven this adage time and again to be true. The Alumni Scholarship Program, a flagship program of the Alumni Foundation has produced men and women who have excelled academically and are proving that indeed success is not far behind in their chosen careers.

Through the years, the Alumni Foundation has graduated more than a dozen students who are now accomplished individuals and upright members of society. Kudos will have to go to a recent graduate of the University of the Philippines, a former Alumni scholar Timothy Carido, who graduated Magna Cum Laude in B.S. Philosophy from the University of the Phil-ippines. Timothy is now gainfully employed in Shell Philippines. He is indeed a Marian scholar worthy of emulation. Another recent graduate is Francis Regina Pacis. Francis Regina has recently passed the Nursing Licensure exam with flying colors. Like Timothy, Francis Reginaattributes her success to the help extended by the Alumni Foundation when she needed it most. It is heart-warming to know that the Marian Spirit lives on in Timothy and Francis Regina. Both have expressed their desire to “give back” and help other Marians in need achieve their dream of finishing their education. Timothy and Francis Regina are testaments that the Alumni scholar-ship program is a success. Indeed, the Alumni’s good work is continuing through the leader-ship of President Lulu Robles with the grant of scholarship for the school year 2012-2013 to the following students: JobenGuevarra (4th yr. HS, Full Scholar 2009-2013), Patrick De Villa (3rd yr. HS, Full Scholar 2010-2013), Dianne Segunial (2nd yr. HS), Full Scholar 2011-2013), Giana Jari (Grade 7, Full Scholar 2011-2013), Robert Vincent Ortiz (Partial Scholar 2012-2013), and Maria Angelica Tan Rivera (Grade 7, Partial Scholar 2012-2013).

The Alumni Foundation had set its new guidelines to put more emphasis on the need for students to strive for excellence and to be

more involved with alumni affairs. Candidates who qualify for High School Scholarship will undergo screening by the Foundation’s Scholar-ship Committee. Once granted a full scholarship, the student will enjoy full tuition fee subsidy by the Foundation, including miscellaneous and other fees. In addition, he/she will also be given a book allowance of PhP3,500.00. The Scholar continues to enjoy these benefits until graduation on condition that he/she maintains the required academic and conduct standing.

The success stories of Alumni scholars beyond high school prove that the Alumni scholarship program is a worthwhile project deserving of the support of all Marians wher-ever they may be around the globe. If you are interested to send to school a Marian intel-lectually deserving but financially challenged, please don’t hesitate to get in touch withthe SMCQC Alumni Foundation through Madame Cecille Temporal (SMCQC Consultant on Alumni Affairs), Ms. Lulu Robles, President, or any of the Scholarship Committee members: Ms. Eileen Tawatao-Garcia, Ms. Amy Tengco, Ms. VangieAndrada-Palilleo, Ms. Peachy Bumatay and Ms. Gwen Pimentel-Gana.

It is indeed very rewarding for the Foun-dation and its benefactors how these scholars express their gratefulness and how the schol-arship changed their lives and those of their families.

See more Marians soar! Be the “wind beneath their wings”! Support the Alumni Scholarship program now! Mabuhay ang St. Mary’s College!

• Joben Guevarra (4thyr HS, Full Scholar/2009-2013)

“…since Kinder, my goal in life was to finish my studies in St. Mary’s College. It was very hard for my family to pay my tuition fees because of financial problems.” “…I have reached my dreams of being a Marian for 12 years through the help of the Alumni Foundation who are truly with me in my life in education.”

SMCAFI SCHOLARS• Roman Patrick U. De Villa (3rdyr HS, Full Scholar/2010-2013)

“…now in the case of Scholarship and Stew-ardship, it is about the Alumni Foundation that God uses as an instrument that helps students who are bright and very studious but aren’t that fortunate financially.”

“…I must say that I was very blessed and favored by God, that He has given me this big opportunity to study in a good, private Catholic school, a school that will really mold us in the different aspects of our Christian Life.”

• Dianne Segunial 2ndyr HS, Full Scholar/2011-2013)

“…I come from a family whose income is just enough for us to survive and live decently. In spite of this, they persisted and sent me to study in this school, for they could have easily sent me to one of the public schools near our home.”

“…then came the big break when the St. Mary’s College Quezon City Alumni Foundation Inc. granted me scholarship during my first year in high school continuing up to this day. It was a great relief for my aging parents.”

• Giana Muriel A. Hari (2ndyr HS, Full Scholar/2011-2013)

“…if the money at hand is less than what is required for the needs, scholarship is the best answer, especially for families with more children.”

“…that’s why, in truth, no matter how poor or rich you are, as long as you deserve and actually have a scholarship, it can make a difference in your life.”

• Robert Vincent Ortiz (Grade 7, Partial Scholar/2012-2013)

“…being one of the lucky few re-cipients of SMCQC Scholarship Alumni Foundation, Inc., I, and my family are truly grateful that I have the chance to continue my fruitful learning in this school through your generous support.

“…because of the assistance you have given, I know that I am closer to my dreams and will drive me to study harder and be more responsible to take challenges and to become a better person through the spiritual guidance of this school.

• Ma. Angelica Tan Rivera (Grade 7, Partial Scholar/2012-2013)

“…poor study habits, too lazy to study for the exams, just draws, read fiction stories, plays the computer, watches television that is me. “

“…now that I am a scholar of the SMCQC Alumni Foundation, I made changes… not to prove to them but to myself that I can still make my grades higher.

“… to all alumni of SMCQC, thank you for giving me a scholarship. I have been and will be a good Marian in and out of the school to uphold all things in Faith, Excellence and Service.”

“Mo. Ignacia Scholarship Program”


15

Q: What activity do the 30-odd Alumni Board and Choir members plus their children look forward to every summer?

A: Its the annual road trip outside the city and an overnight stay at a Laguna Resort! Woohoo!

Thanks to the drivers and vans of Van-gee Palileo, Lulu, and the son of Meoise Cristobal, we arrived in good spirits and our bodies intact. Scholarship Committe head Gwen Gana followed only to stay for the afternoon.

Mind you, it’s not just fun and games we did there. Lulu hit two birds with one stone by celebrating her birthday blowout and calling a board meeting. She wouldn’t let go of the chance to corral a quorum to discuss this year’s Scholarship picks and tie up any Homecoming loose ends. This, we dutifully did while sipping iced tea, munching on Meiose’s yummy chicharon and relaxing inside the cool function room overlooking the tempting blue waters of the resort’s hot swimming pools where our kids lapped and played.

As you can imagine, not only was the food fantastic and the concocted cocktails in-toxicating, following the Wii Dance Video was hilariously taxing! Leading the pack was our dance mascot Juaqui, the cute and chubby son of Dahra Villanueva ‘78, followed by the resident choreographer-cum- production head Rhea Gega-Relos ‘79, who was beside our perrenial homecoming scriptwriter-

hostess Risse Jose, and not so far off was yours truly, pathetically imitating Michael Jackson’s classic dance steps.

To whet our appetite before Dinner, our games mistresses, Meiose and Rhea thought up a fun-filled hour of friendly competition among three groups vying for ingenious prizes such as boiled egg shaped containers, and electronic vigil cups that light up with a clap and you literally blow out.

What else could one do after eating all the good stuff prepared by the resort’s ami-able staff? Singing of course! The Karaoke played out all the tunes to our hearts content till we croaked like frogs. One board member who unknowingly dozed off on her chair, had a photo taken with two seatmates picture-framing her face with their arm poses! Thanks Dahra, our paparazzi, Risse and Amy my ‘top’models, for the memento...

A Summer-ender GetawayBy Mayang Sison-Pascual ‘76

All throughout the day and night, photos were snapped, glasses we refilled and chips were passed. The ladies dipped themselves in the jaccuzzi while exchanging tips on how to have the upper arms toned, keep illnesses at bay and care for elderly parents.

But as to be expected, the time came when the drinks were drunk, the chips were gone and the music faded away. It was time to shuffle back to our rooms and shut the lights out.

And as if there wont be a next time, the group still went for a last swim after a sump-tuous breakfast and did the never-ending group photos to fittingly cap the summer af-fair. Thanks Lulu and JoNel’s Staff, for a truly memorable bonding experience.


16

Braving the onset of the Christmas season means braving traffic… super, hellish traffic that almost defies the meaning of patience. But, as tradi-tion has dictated, the first week of December must be a reason to be merry… for this bunch of ladies. So no matter if traffic is at a standstill or the green light is on…. It definitely must happen. So, “Tuloy-tuloy pa din ang pasko” is the season’s battlecry.

A big turnout it is for about 40 of the Alumni Foundation and choir and guests who all trooped to Rustica, just off the corner of the school we love. Convenient we must say, for all of us party peeps, who are determined to enjoy . Donning the brightest reds, there was much boisterous singing to the continuous loop of a favorite APO hit of the 70’s or was it the ‘80s(?). Well, it still rang in our minds all the way to Christmas and the new year as we enjoyed our video.

The game Pinoy Henyo, put even the bright-est minds in a quandary on simple, even mundane christmasy words like noche Buena, queso de bola, exchange gift etc.The game was won hands down by current President Lulu R. Robles’79 and partner past president Fe Silica Serquina-Arellano ’69, even beating lawyer par excellence past president Lorna Patajo-Kapunan ’69 and moi and past president Corinna Isaguirre’75 and past president Sessie Timble-Caoyonan ’63.

Christmas 2011Tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko

By Risse Aquino Jose’76

A fresher take on games took the form of 12 fill- in- the- squares- with- names game which drew excited finishers from among participants so much so, that even when 3 top winners were announced, a few more insisted they finished first, LOL.

Food was delectable, sumptuous and defi-nitely tummy- filing , well,calorific to strict dieters(meron?). But it’s the time of year when waistlines widen as smiles get bigger, so what the heck.

I am pretty sure, ladies, that all of you who attended the party remember Mr. Lefty. You know him, the guy in our exchange gift story who kept you passing gifts to the left, to the right to the left again..the left… the right, until your sense of direction got haywire? Ha! Got you there!. It was something new, you must admit. It was a far cry from the typical, staid and obligatory exchange of gifts. It was the longest exchange of gifts in the whole world as exasperated party-goers almost killed me. Next year ulit. Ha, ha.

Though we missed the grand dame of the alumni, Madame Gloria Santos, who has merrily rode the sled to the heavens, she is no party-poop-er. She enjoyed the celebration, too. Remember, no matter what happens…. It’s still…. tuloy na tuloy pa rin ang pasko.

Paraluman R. RoblesPresident

Eileen Tawatao-GarciaMa. Rosario Ribaya-Bumatay

Director for Alumni Affairs

Meiose Tan-CristobalDirector for Finance

Amelita G. TengcoDirector for Documentation

Nerisse Aquino-JoseMaria Elvira Sison-Pascual

Directors for Programs and Communications

Gwendolyn Pimentel-GanaDirector for Scholarship

Evangelina Andrada-PalileoMa. Theresa SamsonDirectors for Publicity

and Promotions

Aurea Gega-Relos Ma. Theresa Samson

Estela Marie Villanueva-Mendoza

Directors for Community Dev’t. and

Special Projects

Arlene Untalan-SarmientoLoida Geniblazo-Secillano

Director for Membership

Mariles Abacan-IbarraCandida Ocampo

Directors for InformationTechnology

Melinda Macalintal-RadaLynn Aguilar-Umali

Directors for Corporate Affairs

BOARD OF ADVISERS

Cecille N. TemporalFe Silica Serquina-Arellano

Preachy Patajo-LegastoLorna Patajo- Kapunan

Corinna Parungao-IsaguirreGracia Camacho-De Jesus

SMCAF Board of Directors 2009-2011

marian alumni newsletter 2012

Documents

marians hs batch

fiery rubies of hs batch

peachy corals of hs

lustrous pearls of hs

shiny silvers of hs

special numbers

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light shine